Parametric or Graphic Eq?

[witeter]

Hi guys, im toying with the idea of getting an Eq of some sorts as i am intrigued by the tonal possibilities. As far as I am aware the difference between parametric and graphic is that parametric allows you to home in on a certain frequency of your choice while graphic has set frequencies from the offset. What would you guys recommend? im toying with the idea of the MXR 10 band eq (graphic)- are parametric eq pdelas any good? whatever i do get it HAS to be quiet. Cheers

[Mr_RD]

Hey man,

It kinda depends on what you want the EQ for, but for guitars you're generally looking at graphic EQ's. They're easier to use onstage, easier to play around with and make for easy sound shaping.
Parameteric EQ's are more generally used to take out specific frequencies that are causing an issue with the overall sound. As I said though, it all depends on what you want to use it for.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

 RD.

[gwEm]

The both have their uses, though I think graphics are a bit easier to get into.

You can use a single band parametric as a mid boost for example.

[AndyR]

^ What they say :)

Years ago, I used to use a little Graphic EQ pedal between guitar and a single channel valve amp to boost solos.

When I started fiddling with recording, I could not get my head around Parametric EQ at first. Now I swear by it, it's invaluable for mixing - and I use it on recorded guitar parts a lot, so after everything, including the mic that recorded it... For this purpose I'd much rather use Parametric.

But I think I'd still lean towards a Graphic on a guitar signal into an amp - I'd probably find it easier to use, and I'd be more likely to be boosting rather than reducing things.

If it was going in an effects loop on an amp, I don't know, I've never used an effects loop. I suspect I'd find a Parametric easier to think about in that situation, but that's because I'm use to using one after the "main tone-stuff" has happened.

[witeter]

Cheers guys thanks for the info.

Basically Id be using the eq to slightly shape my guitar tone for extra cut and body depending on the venue we'd be playing at; so im looking at it for live use. I wouldnt be using it as a solo boost.

I would also be looking at putting it in the loop as I have heard that graphic eqs work quite well there :-)
at the moment i am not sure i need a 10 band eq but i have heard that the mxr is very quiet, hence im leaning towards that :-)

[Fourth Feline]

I have not put any gain through it, but for 'so clean it's almost naked' sounds,  I really enjoyed experimenting with my 10 band MXR.  :D

 It's only in it's box now, because I don't need it for home practice - and my current 'fave' amps ( for chord melody ) have onboard graphic E.Q. / notch filters.   BUT ,  if gigging again, ( in a wider variety of styles / covers band , or playing through a borrowed amp ) - I feel the 10 band MXR would be a real 'secret weapon' to boost solos, reduce feedback , tune to the room - and generally act as a sonic 'Swiss Army Knife' .  :)

I have had  Parametic 'sweep' on a previous amp , some time ago - but of the two , prefer the flexibility of Graphic / notch filter type E.Q.s

[gwEm]

But I think I'd still lean towards a Graphic on a guitar signal into an amp - I'd probably find it easier to use, and I'd be more likely to be boosting rather than reducing things.

I use my graphic pedal quite regularly as a booster and like it a lot. What I do is to leave things flat, and boost the gain. Then I can hear the sound and cut troublesome frequencies, like the extreme top end (especially on a strat) and bass (more humbucker guitars) and push the gain some more. With the right tweaking you can get a huge amount of boost without your signal turning to shite.

Sometimes though I do push the lower mids up a bit, since it sounds really nice with my amp and cabs.

Being experienced with parametrics in my studio work, I actually got myself a multi band parametric pedal to experiment with use as a booster, after my success with the graphic. What I found was that since the amp distortion was after the pedal the results were a bit more unpredicatable. Now, my graphic is modded, clear sounding and does have well chosen frequencies for the bands, but I still feel the parametric wasn't getting the results in that scenario. With persistence I might have been able to, but it wasn't so quick and straight forward as my system described above.

Now, we all know about Schenker and his wah mid-boosted solos - would be perfect for a single band parametric I think.

[gwEm]

I read recently that in the studio when using a cheaper EQ, which would be most guitar pedals I imagine, it's better to cut frequencies and increase gain, rather than boosting - or if boosting then only a small amount. I hadn't thought about that before, but it does fit with my experiences of using an graphic as a booster also.

[mongey]

graphic is allot easier to use on the fly as its more visual but parametric is more powerful as its allot more precise . you can focus in on any frequency where graphic your stuck to the bands


I have a mxr 10 band and its a great pedal . not using it at the moment but its one of those pedal you never unload cause it'll come in handy again some day

If you want parametric and good quality the Empress is supposed to be the stand out. I have their compressor and trem on my board and they are both top notch quality

[richard]

I've used a graphic as a gain/mid boost into the front of an amp and as a solo boost in the loop. Using it to fine tune frequencies for different venues is a new idea to me. I take it you're talking about gigs where you're not miked up ? If this is the case I imagine that what you're trying to achieve would be very difficult.

As you'll know from watching bands in a pub the sound of the guitar/amp will vary enormously according to where you're standing in the room. Personally I rely on my amp's eq and generally speaking I'll just tweak the treble control a little. Also, the wrong adjustments to a 10 band eq can seriously murder your sound so caution is advised. I hope you can make this work but for me it would just be another thing that could go wrong. Let us know how you get on.

[Alex]

There aren't too many good EQ pedals on the market, I feel. It really comes down to the MXR and a few other options. I, for my part, am only aware of one single parametric EQ (Artec).
I think the popularity of the MXR 10-band comes from the fact that it works like it should, and that there aren't a lot of alternatives really. Pros seems to use rackmount EQs instead.

[witeter]

Hey guys thanks again for all the info! its always interesting to read peoples opinions and views on stuff like this.

Richard- i think im just a bit of a tone nerd lol - im just enjoying so much in homing into my perfect tone that anything that can help me get there I really enjoy. My Peavey JSX has a very powerful active eq that works brilliantly but as with any eq its designed for certain frequencies and sometimes i wish i could add a tiny bit of low mids, cut some other frequencies,etc - i think i just like the idea of tweaking my tone slightly to get to something that is as perfect as i can get. I have heard so many good reports of using a graphic eq with my particular amp that its made me very curious :-)

[Twinfan]

I use the Empress ParaEQ live on my full rig and it's fantastic.  It does take some getting your head around though.  I have it always on with my preferred settings.

At rehearsals on my mini-board I have a modded Boss graphic - simple, cheap and easier to fiddle with on the fly.

I don' t think you'll go wrong with the MXR 10-band.

[witeter]

Yes I have heard very good things about the Empress Twinfan but its a bit too pricey for me im afraid, hence the mxr is a bit more appealing at the moment

[Lucifuge]

The other parametric EQ I can think of is the Electro Harmonix Tube EQ, though only the mid band is parametric, the high and low are fixed frequency filters.

BYOC also sell a parametric EQ kit, though it seems quite pricey considering you have to do most of the work yourself.